The Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award (PHWA) is part of an innovative national program designed to recognize organizations of all types for implementing programs and policies that foster employee health and well-being while enhancing organizational performance.  The program offers psychologists and members of the business community a unique opportunity to develop and maintain relationships to benefit the working public.

For example, hiring and training employees is a very expensive process, which makes retaining employees an important goal in today’s business environment. Maintaining a psychologically healthy workplace is one of the best ways to reduce turnover by keeping valuable employees healthy, happy and productive. It also demonstrates an understanding that employees’ mental health is just as important as their physical health.  Finally, solid data show that psychologically healthy workplaces are more productive, more successful and more profitable. 

The Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award has both state and national components.   Organizations are evaluated in each of the following areas:

• Employee involvement
• Work life balance
• Recognition
• Health and Safety
• Employee growth and development

Each year CPA selects from their awardees those who will be put forth to compete for the national Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award presented in Washington, D.C.  

Applying for the PHWA is available to all workplaces, whether a for-profit Fortune 500 company or a neighborhood based non-profit organization. California PHWA winners are recognized both at CPA’s Annual Convention in the Spring of each year and again locally  at the company’s site.  Past winners of the PHWA  include Beach Cities Helth District, Neutrogena, USC, NSBN LLP, East Bay Municipal Utility District, Cedars-Sinai Health System,  Wells Fargo & Co., Seton Medical Center, and Write on the Edge.

The PHWA application process  is conducted primarily online with the exception of a site visit.  Required written information includes an application, organizational practices questionnaire and an employee survey.   Applications will be accepted starting August 1st.  All parts of the application process must be complete by December 15th.  As a first step, you will need to register and create a username and password.   Please contact Dr. Lisa Osborn as soon as possible via email at losborn529@aol.com  in order to receive information about compiling a portfolio of supporting documents.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Lisa Osborn via email at losborn529@aol.com .   More information is also available through the American Psychological Association's PHWA  Web site: www.phwa.org  

      
Click here to apply on-line.

Criteria for Evaluating the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award